Gewalt gegen Frauen und ihre psychischen Auswirkungen

Globally, 35% of girls and women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence. Structural inequalities and concepts of hegemonic masculinity are the basis for violence against girls and women. Women who have experienced violence are significantly more prone to developing mental health disorders. Conversely, the lifetime risk of being a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence is higher for women with mental health disorders. Mental health professionals have an important role and a responsibility in the possibilities of supporting women subjected to violence and fostering prevention strategies. Clinical assessments in a mental health context should be gender sensitive, trauma informed and routinely include enquiry about potential experiences of abuse. In addition to psychiatric knowledge, this also requires knowledge of further measures to ensure victims’ safety and to support help-providers.